CEO’s Meetup - Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024

Concept Note: CEO’s Meetup - Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024

Event Title: CEO’s Meetup
Event Theme: Untold Stories of the 21st Century Entrepreneurs
Date: 23rd November 2024.
Location: Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger, Nasarawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina
Duration: Full-day Event
Organized by: 21st Century Entrepreneurs Hub in Collaboration Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria 
Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, Startups, Business Executives, Investors, Local Community Members, Media

Background & Rationale

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is a global movement that inspires and empowers millions of entrepreneurs in over 170 countries. It celebrates the innovators who dream big, drive economic growth, and expand human welfare. As part of GEW 2024, the CEO Meetup will focus on Untold Stories of the 21st Century Entrepreneurs, shining a spotlight on unique journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs experienced by entrepreneurs in today’s dynamic world.

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, entrepreneurial success is shaped by more than just ideas. It involves resilience, community support, and the ability to adapt to changing global realities. This event will provide a platform for entrepreneurs to share their stories, pitch innovative solutions, and showcase their products and services. By creating a space for storytelling and interaction with community members, the event will foster connections and inspire a new wave of entrepreneurial thinking.

Event Objectives

• To create a platform where entrepreneurs can share their untold stories of innovation, perseverance, and impact.
• To facilitate a space for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas and receive feedback and support from peers and investors.
• To provide a venue for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to potential customers and partners.
• To strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by building connections between community members and entrepreneurs.

Event Components

• Pitching Competition
  • Selected entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to a panel of seasoned CEOs, investors, and business experts. The competition will highlight the creativity and innovation of 21st-century entrepreneurs. Winners will receive Cash prices, recognition, mentorship opportunities, and potential funding or partnerships.

• Entrepreneurial Storytelling
  • A storytelling session where entrepreneurs will share their journeys, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame obstacles. The stories will provide valuable insights into the realities of building a business in today’s world, emphasizing perseverance, failure, and success.
• Exhibition
  • Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services. This interactive exhibition will allow attendees to engage directly with businesses, learn about their offerings, and support them through purchases, investments, or partnerships.
• Networking and Community Engagement
  • The event will include networking sessions where entrepreneurs, CEOs, investors, and community members can interact, share ideas, and explore collaborations. Local community members will be invited to attend, providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to gain support from their immediate environment.

Target Audience

• CEOs, business executives, and investors interested in mentoring and supporting startups.
• Entrepreneurs and startups looking to expand their networks, pitch ideas, and showcase their products.
• Local community members who want to learn about entrepreneurial opportunities and support local businesses.
• Media representatives covering the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Expected Outcomes

• Entrepreneurial Empowerment: Entrepreneurs will gain visibility and have a platform to share their untold stories, inspire others, and learn from their peers.
• Funding and Partnership Opportunities: Entrepreneurs will have the chance to pitch their ideas to investors and business leaders, opening the door to potential investments and partnerships.
• Increased Community Engagement: Community members will become more involved in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to increased support for home-grown businesses.
• Knowledge Exchange: Attendees will benefit from shared knowledge, learning from the experiences of other entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.

Partnerships & Sponsorships

The event will invite collaborations from various sectors, including:

• Business organizations: Sponsorship and mentorship opportunities.
• Investment firms and banks: Support for the pitching competition and potential funding for winners.
• Media: Coverage to amplify the stories of entrepreneurs and the impact of the event.

Logistics

• Venue: International Conference Center Sokoto, with a seating capacity of 500 for the plenary sessions and ample space for the exhibition. Hybrid participation will be enabled to allow remote attendees.
• Technology: State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment for presentations, internet access for virtual participants, and digital platforms for live streaming and engagement.

Conclusion

The CEO Meetup during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 will celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of modern entrepreneurs. Through storytelling, pitching, and exhibitions, the event will provide a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, inspire, and grow. By engaging community members and offering valuable networking opportunities, this event will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and contribute to a culture of innovation and growth.